One such hopeful is Jean Luc Gbere, a local worshipper whose aspirations echo a broader sentiment across the continent. “My greatest wish is for the next pope to be a Black man,” he says. “And if not, then at least someone who is truly a leader.”
This hope, however, meets a complex and often opaque reality.
A Papacy Still Out of Reach?
While names of African cardinals have begun to circulate in Vatican conversations—such as Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Ivory Coast’s Cardinal Ignace Bessi Dogbo, and Kinshasa’s Archbishop Fridolin Ambongo Besungu—Vatican insiders remain cautious.
Part of the skepticism lies in the public profile of these contenders. Unlike many Western cardinals, African candidates have not been subjected to the intense public scrutiny that often precedes papal elections. For a global institution still grappling with the fallout of historic scandals, this lack of vetting could be a significant barrier.
Yet, others argue that the time is not only ripe, but overdue.
Africa’s Growing Influence in the Church
Africa is home to a rapidly growing Catholic population—nearly 20% of the global total as of 2023, according to Vatican data. The continent represents the fastest-growing segment of the Catholic Church, both in terms of faithful and clergy. In this light, proponents of an African pontiff say representation at the highest level would reflect the demographic shifts within the Church itself.
Some scholars even point to early Church history, noting that a few popes during the first millennium are believed to have been born in North Africa or were of African descent—though historical records remain limited and debated.
Continuity or Change?
An African pope, many suggest, would be seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s legacy of championing the marginalized—supporting the poor, advocating for migrants, and speaking out against the injustices of war.
However, it’s important to note that a pope from Africa might not follow Francis’s more progressive stances on social issues. One example is the Vatican’s recent decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis—an announcement that has stirred controversy among Africa’s largely conservative Catholic communities.
What Lies Ahead
While the road to the papacy remains unpredictable, the rising profile of African clergy signals a shift in the global dynamics of the Catholic Church. Whether or not the next conclave results in the election of a pope from Africa, the conversation itself reflects a Church that is becoming more diverse, more global, and increasingly shaped by the faithful beyond Europe and North America.
For many African Catholics like Jean Luc Gbere, the hope endures—not just for representation, but for a papacy that understands and reflects their lived realities.